Dalton Gatlin, Principal
gatlind@nccswarriors.org
Dalton has been involved in classical Christian education since third grade when he became a student at New Covenant, graduating from the school in 2004. He has been teaching in classical Christian education since 2008. In 2014, he became the Head of the School of Logic and Rhetoric at a classical Christian school in Pennsylvania. He has a B.A. in History and a M. Ed. in Christian School Administration from Regent University. He became principal of New Covenant Christian School in March 2020.
Dalton joined NCCS because of the school’s unique core values. “At NCCS, students are more than minds; they are also disciples of Christ, sons and daughters of God called to do His will. It is a blessing to align with God every day to unlock the imago Dei potential He has gifted each student while worshiping Him in every area of the school: academically, spiritually, and relationally. I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful New Covenant family and to have my children attend the school.”
Dalton has been married to Caitlynn (also a NCCS graduate) since 2010. He enjoys spending time with their six kids doing projects around the house and in the yard or reading a good book in the moments of calm which come and go. He attends New Covenant Christian Church.
Amber Kersjes,
Director of Development
fundraising@nccswarriors.org
Amber Kersjes was employed at Auto-Owners Insurance from 2008-2022. She had held various roles within the Actuarial and Reinsurance departments, working with data and reporting. She has a BA in Mathematics and Financial Management, and an MBA in Insurance, from Olivet College. She has served as the fundraising coordinator at New Covenant since the spring of 2020.
Amber and her husband knew they wanted their children to receive a Christian education. “From the moment we stepped foot in this building, we knew this was where God wanted our family to be. It’s more than the education, it’s the family atmosphere and emphasis on relationships that sets NCCS apart. God has shown Himself time and time again throughout our years here, and I am excited to continue following His lead in my role as Director of Development.”
Amber married her high school sweetheart Drew in 2009. Their three children all attend NCCS. Drew also serves on the NCCS Board of Trustees. When not taking part in school activities, the family enjoys working on projects around their property, having bonfires in the summer, and relaxing in front of the fireplace in the winter.
Danielle Cornelius, Accounting and
TAP Coordinator
accounting@nccswarriors.org
Danielle worked at the Department of Treasury in Customer Service, Individual Tax Return Processing, and Business E-Filing from 2003-2013. During that time, she graduated from Mount Hope’s Bible Training Institute and completed a four-year internship with Mount Hope’s Spyn student ministry. In 2013, she left Treasury to become a stay-at-home mother of four children.
When asked why she joined NCCS, Danielle said, “Coming from a childhood in the public education system and experiencing struggles between worldly views and godly views, we sought out a more spiritually enriched and fulfilling environment for our children’s education. We greatly appreciate the way our school families come together and support one another. At NCCS, our children not only learn about God’s ways, but through staff, parents, and older students, they are shown how to live out His ways as well. It’s because of this cohesiveness and sense of belonging our school families bring that my individual family recently became members of New Covenant Christian Church.”
Danielle and her husband Clay graduated from Mount Hope Bible Training Institude under Dave Williams in 2010. They have four children. Danielle loves animals, big dogs, muscle cars, the country life, gardening, learning about healthy eating, and living life to the fullest. She is passionate about being hope-filled, generous, and helping people achieve their dreams, goals, and financial security.
Louise Burns, Accounting
accounting@nccswarriors.org
Louise has been working in accounting for many years. In addition to serving as the accountant of New Covenant Christian School, she has has been the accountant of New Covenant Christian Church as well as a landscaping company her family owned. Louise earned a teaching certificate from Spring Arbor University and has taken several accounting classes along the way.
When asked why she does accounting, Louise responded, “Doing accounting for New Covenant Church and School has brought joys and heartache. Working through times of drought and abundance has been challenging. God is always faithful in providing for the needs of the school and church. Bringing God’s ways into finances has been my goal.”
Louise has been married to Ron, a fellow Spring Arbor graduate and the Senior Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church, for over 45 years. They have been blessed with two children: Amy, a teacher; and Paul, a legislative director.
Louise enjoys sewing, which she uses to bless Pregnancy Services with baby quilts. She also enjoys reading, thereby achieving her goal of being a life-long learner. Her favorite authors are from Bethel Church in Redding, California.
Charnay Todd, Secretary
nccsoffice@nccswarriors.org
Charnay has been working in office administration for over five years. She is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration.
When asked why Charnay joined NCCS, she replied, “I have always had a feeling that I was called to use my administration gift in a God centered atmosphere. I have always had a pull on me in which God would bring me in and out of jobs, I believe for me to find this very particular one. So when this opportunity came to me I knew it was meant to be. It is an honor to work at a place where it is centered on the focus of what my husband and I believe to be true, which is God’s love and foundation. His Word is vital, and knowing His purpose is too, which they teach at New Covenant. What a blessing it is for me to be a part of this life changing atmosphere that focuses on bringing the Kingdom perspective into reality.”
Charnay has been married to Anthony since 2017. Together they have three children. Charnay enjoys time with her family, taking walks, riding bikes, playing card games, vacationing, and watching sports.
Richard Martin, Athletic Director
martinr@nccswarriors.org
Richard Martin has over ten years of experience in Human Services and Economic Development. He graduated from Sienna Heights University in 2013 with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems. He has also worked with children in Sunday School ministries and helped with VBS. However, his greatest passion and calling is serving the Lord as a Pastor through his home church.
Richard is married to his wife, LeeAnn, who teaches 4th grade at NCCS. Together they have two children who love God. Growing up, he played various sports, including basketball, soccer, and football. Richard has always enjoyed athletics.
Samantha Overly, K4
overlys@nccswarriors.org
Samantha has been teaching and working with children for seven years. She has a Bachelors in Education and Social Sciences from Liberty University. Samantha joined NCCS because she has a passion for growing young minds and pointing them toward the Lord.
Samantha enjoys spending her free time reading, exercising, and playing volleyball with friends, as well as walking and training her German Shepherd, Hobbes.
Jannet Benson, Grade K5
bensonj@nccswarriors.org
Jannet has over 30 years of experience in early childhood development, most of which are in Christian education. She has taught preschool – 3rd grade. She is certified in Early Childhood Development and has gained training in the Spalding Reading Program.
She is at NCCS “to help nurture, grow, disciple, and educate children to become ALL that God has called them to be in their families, churches, schools, and communities.
Jannet has been married to Pastor Charles for over 30 years. Together they have served as pastors in the community for over 15 years. Jan has founded a women’s conference, led Bible study groups, and co-authored the book, “Seven by Four Break-through.” Pastor Charles and Jan have three children and four grandsons. Jan enjoys spending time with family; teaching; singing; going to the beach; reading and studying the Bible; and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jasmine Guipe, Grade 1
guipej@nccswarriors.org
Jasmine graduated from Spring Arbor University with a B.A. in Language Arts with a concentration in Elementary Education and has been teaching for four years. When asked why she joined NCCS, Jasmine said, “I decided to teach at NCCS because my faith in Christ is very important to me, and I want to be able to integrate it in my classroom! James 1:17 says, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above.’ I want to show my students that we can experience kindness and learn new things because all Jesus has done for us.”
Jasmine and her husband live in Grand Ledge, where they enjoy kayaking, running, and walking by the river. She also loves to sing, play music, and write.
Brooke Brown, Grade 2
Brownb@nccswarriors.org
Brooke has been working with kids for as long as she can remember. Specifically, she worked at a church-affiliated daycare for ten years, five of which she was the assistant director while also planning and teaching the K4 program. She also currently teaches in her church’s children’s ministry.
When asked why Brooke is at NCCS, she replied, “God led us to NCCS when we were looking for a school for my son. I began to volunteer in my son’s classroom, in the school office, at recess, and substitute teach when needed. I also never missed chapel. I love the NCCS family and looked for any ways I could help.”
Brooke has one son; he has attended NCCS since kindergarten. Brooke enjoys reading books, watching movies, and doing anything that includes her family.
Polly Drongowski, Grade 3
Drongowskip@nccswarriors.org
Polly graduated from Great Lakes Christian College with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education; Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Child Development; and Michigan State University with a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction.
Polly and Greg have been married for nearly 35 years and have worshipped at West Lansing Church of Christ for nearly their entire marriage. They have two amazing daughters.
LeeAnn Martin, Grade 4
martinl@nccswarriors.org
LeeAnn Martin is a graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences and holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Specialty in Entrepreneurship from Davenport University and a Master’s degree in Divinity with a Biblical Discipleship focus from Regent University.
Before coming to New Covenant, LeeAnn worked in recording studios out of her home as a vocal coach and vocal producer. She also has experience working in special education classrooms.
LeeAnn believes the Lord has led her to NCCS to serve the body of Christ. She looks forward to sharing her love and knowledge of the Word of God with all her students.
LeeAnn is married to Richard Martin. They have one daughter and a son. In her free time, LeeAnn enjoys gardening, singing, and working on home improvement projects.
Joshua Wise, Grade 5
wisej@nccswarriors.org
In the Spring of 2021, Josh taught at a school in Africa and experienced God move in his life in an unthinkable way. When he returned home, he started teaching elementary-level students at West Lansing Church of Christ, and just a few months later, he dropped out of his final semester of computer science and enrolled at Liberty University to devote his life to education. This fall, he will graduate from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education.
When asked why he joined NCCS, Josh said, “Through my practical experiences at NCCS, I saw a community of Christian educators and students I wanted to be a part of. God has continually led me to areas of ministry and education, and teaching at NCCS is an excellent place to fulfill the calling God has laid on my heart.
In June 2024, Josh married the most supportive person a person could ever want, Emily. Josh enjoys backpacking, camping, fishing, and watching hockey in his spare time.
Gerrit Cain
Grade 6 and Secondary Science
caing@nccswarriors.org
After several years in the field of beverage manufacturing and quality assurance, Gerrit was called to change course and teach at New Covenant, thereby returning to the teaching field. In between colleges, he substitute taught at all grade levels near his home in western New York. Gerrit earned his A.S. in Liberal Arts and Science from Jamestown Community College (JCC) and his B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology from the state university of New York College in Syracuse, New York. After another year of substitute teaching, he relocated to Northern Michigan University to work as a graduate assistant. In between researching brook trout and salmon in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Gerrit taught laboratory classes at the freshman and sophomore levels. He later returned to JCC for two years to teach as a lab instructor in the Biology department.
Gerrit met his wife Cheryl in the Upper Peninsula. The Lord has blessed them with two boys.
In the summer of 2019, Gerrit was converted by the Holy Spirit in Kiantone Congregational Church. Gerrit has served on the Parish Council, taught junior church, and filled-in as worship leader. He is pursuing his certification as a lay pastor in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
In his spare time, Gerrit enjoys camping with family, fishing, hunting, golf, and watching baseball.
Lauren Nunn
Middle School Literature and History
nunnl@nccswarriors.org
Lauren has been teaching for thirteen years and has been at NCCS for over ten years, where she also carries administrative responsibilities. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and has a Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate in K-8 all subjects and 6-8 Language Arts.
She is at NCCS because “It is a privilege to teach and explore alongside my students and to help them grow in their unique journeys with the Lord. I’m so thankful to teach at a school where the whole child matters, discipleship is central, and glorifying God is our priority, It is an absolute joy to spend my days with my middle school students, helping them in the process of becoming who the Lord has created them to be.”
Lauren has been married to Josh, who works as the production director for Riverview Church, for ten years. Together they have two boys, Elliot and August. When Lauren is not spending time with her boys, she loves to read, cook, and spend time outside.
Natalie Leonard
Middle School Math and Science
leonardn@nccswarriors.org
Natalie holds a Masters of Science for Teachers in Childhood Education with a concentration in Students with Disabilities from Pace University in New York City. She also holds a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Science, Psychology, and Health Science from Liberty University, magna cum laude. Natalie also graduated from Mount Hope Bible Training Institute (BTI), a three year Pastoral training program. During her time at BTI, she was an intern at Champions Club, and inner-city outreach ministry.
Natalie has taught in public schools for all her teaching career until now, but she has always hoped to work in Christian education. She taught special education in grades K-5 in Brooklyn, New York, and specialized in literacy. In Michigan she taught primarily in grades 6-8 in special education with experience in general education middle school math and science. Working in special education has afforded training and experience in student behavior.
Natalie is excited to join the NCCS family to help students apply the Word of God across core subjects and become more grounded in their faith. She loves middle schoolers and teaching math and science, but more importantly she loves the Word of God. She looks forward to working in a faith based environment and nurturing student growth.
Natalie is married and has four children: two high school age daughters who play many sports and two “babies” who are not in school yet. Four kids do make life full, and she loves every minute. Natalie is from Michigan, but raised her two daughters along the beach in New York City while she became a teacher and started the first several years of her teaching career. Since moving back to Michigan, she and her husband have welcomed their two newest babies to the family.
They enjoy travelling together, and their favorite places to visit are NYC and Florida, as Natalie’s favorite place in the beach. In Michigan they enjoy camping when they can, though Natalie and her older daughters prefer “glamping.” Her husband is a private pilot, and her oldest daughter wants to be a pilot too and recently started pilot training. Natalie became a Master Gardener through MSU in 2020 and enjoys experimenting with flower and vegetable gardening.
Grace Moore
Geography and Logic I
mooreg@nccswarriors.org
Grace earned a Master’s degree in French and Francophone Studies with a specialization in Language Teaching from Michigan State and a Bachelor’s degree in French and Francophone Studies with a Certificate in TESOL from Central Michigan University. She has taught French classes at Michigan State as well as teaching preschoolers and ESL instruction for adults.
Grace joined NCCS “because I wanted to be able to teach with Christ at the center and be able to disciple my students in the faith. When I heard such amazing things about the staff and students at NCCS, I knew this was the place I wanted to work!”
Grace, a West Michigan native, recently married Nathan. She loves to read and learn (particularly languages), spend time with people, be outside, play games, sing and listen to music, and do creative/crafty things.
Amber Kersjes
Secondary Math
kersjesa@nccswarriors.org
Amber Kersjes is a graduate of Olivet College, with a B.A. in Mathematics and Financial Management and an MBA in Insurance. Prior to joining the teaching staff at NCCS, she was employed at Auto-Owners Insurance for over 14 years. She held different roles within the Actuarial and Reinsurance departments, utilizing various mathematical and statistical methods to calculate insurance rates, analyze data, and compile reports. Amber has also served as the Director of Development at New Covenant since the spring of 2020.
Amber and her husband knew they wanted their children to receive a Christian education. “From the moment we stepped foot in this building, we knew this was where God wanted our family to be. It’s more than the education, it’s the family atmosphere and emphasis on relationships that sets NCCS apart.”
Amber married her high school sweetheart Drew in 2009. Their three children all attend NCCS. Drew also serves on the NCCS Board of Trustees. When not taking part in school activities, the family enjoys working on projects around their property, having bonfires in the summer, and relaxing in front of the fireplace in the winter.
Steve Sochay
Secondary Bible
sochays@nccswarriors.org
Steve has been involved in Christian education for over 30 years. He joined NCCS in 1996, where he teaches primarily middle school and high school Bible and Math while also serving as the senior class advisor. He earned a B.B.A. in Business/Accounting from Notre Dame University and an A.A. in Christian Ministry from Wold Harvest Bible College. During his lengthy career in Christian education, he has been awarded teacher awards from the University of Notre Dame and Hillsdale College. He has also worked as an education consultant to several Christian schools.
When asked why he is at NCCS, Steve replied, “I teach at NCCS because it is the best place to fulfill my personal calling as a teacher and utilize my giftings within the Body of Christ. NCCS has a family atmosphere on many levels: assisting parents with their primary responsibility in educating their children; being a mentor and role model to the next generation; being a spiritual father to many sons and daughters; and experiencing my son begin his time at NCCS and watching him grow in his faith and academics throughout his primary and secondary educational years.”
Steve’s son Migizi attends NCCS. Steve enjoys family activities, camping, hiking, kayaking, reading, and Notre Dame football.
Molly O’Brien
Secondary Humanities
obrienm@nccswarriors.org
Molly has been teaching for seven years and has taught every grade, kindergarten – twelfth. She has taught Language Arts, ESL, Bible, and introductory Spanish in addition to humanities. She received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education and TESOL from Taylor University.
She loves that NCCS is a place where students and staff love Christ and love learning!
A native of Haslett, Molly attends University Reformed Church in East Lansing. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors, especially hiking and biking! When she isn’t outside, you can usually find her reading.
Dayamny Tejerina
Spanish I and II
tejerinad@nccswarriors.org
Dayamny began teaching classes at the young age of eighteen from a teacher qualification course. In 2007, she obtained a Bachelors in Primary Education in Cuba, her native country. Within five years, she became the lead methodology supervisor for the teaching staff. She has over twenty years of experience in education. She has a Masters Degree in Marketing, Sales, and Advertising for Online Companies in Spain. She also heads the Sunday School teachers and children in her church.
Dayamny joined NCCS because she is committed to teaching based on the Great Commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Cassie Davis
Grades K5-12 Art; Drama
davisc@nccswarriors.org
Cassie is passionate about art. She received her bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University in K-12 visual arts education and has been working with kids and students for 18 years. Shortly after graduating, she had the joy of teaching 2/3 grade at New Covenant, as well as substitute teaching and teaching a summer art class. She took a break from teaching to open a daycare where she often incorporated art into her weekly program. In addition, she is a freelance artist/illustrator with a self-published children’s book she was inspired to write while previously teaching at NCCS.
Cassie decided to return to New Covenant because Christ is at the center of everything the school does, and the teachers and students become family. Having graduated from NCCS, coming back to teach at New Covenant in 2022 felt like coming home.
Cassie is married with two children. She is devoted to serving Jesus in everything she does. Whether it’s worshipping through art or serving in student ministry at her church, she believes that loving Jesus and loving people should be our number one priority.
Katelyn McCausey
Music, Band, and Choir
mccauseyk@nccswarriors.org
Mrs. McCausey has been teaching music through private lessons, homeschool co-ops, and summer camps for eight years. She graduated from Great Lakes Christian College in 2017 with degrees in Music and Theology. Her time in Bible college inspired a love of studying how music and theology interact. Joining the New Covenant family in 2022 felt like coming full circle. She attended NCCS K-12. The school and its teachers played a very big role in guiding her through many “growing up” journeys — even in her family’s recent adoption journey. Her kids began attending NCCS in 2019, opening doors to come back as a staff member.
When asked what she loves about NCCS, Katie responded “that it is more than grades and athletics — it’s discipleship, growing in knowledge, and learning more about God and the world He has made. It is a wonderful opportunity to be teaching at a school where students are empowered to learn more about Christ in every area of their education!”
Katie is married to Nolan. He teaches piano, works for Reeder Pianos, and is Katie’s permanent accompanist for any musical endeavor. Katie and Nolan adopted their two children in 2020 and have two dogs. The combination of kids and pets keep them fairly busy! When there is some open time, Katie loves to read, dye yarn, crochet, and is learning how to disc golf.
Janna Birn
Grades K4-8 Physical Education
birnj@nccswarriors.org
Janna has years of experience teaching in homeschool co-ops and substitute teaching, as well as many hours volunteering in classrooms, including here at NCCS. She is excited to continue serving in a new role. She hopes to use Physical Education to encourage all her students that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made and to praise and glorify God in all they do.
Janna is married to Steve and they have four children, all students at NCCS. She is a volunteer event planner and administrative assistant at a local taekwondo ministry. She enjoys her time cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Sue Langham, Math Tutor
langhams@nccswarriors.org
From left to right:
Drew Kersjes (President)
Pastor Ron Burns
Rich Geer
Sarah Harris
Principal Dalton Gatlin
Hal Spaeth
Ernest Tisdale
We the board of New Covenant Christian School believe the Bible is still accurate and relevant today, in all areas, including history, math, and science.
We believe the entire Bible is the Word of God and can be trusted from its very first verse.
Substitute Teachers: If you would like to apply to be a substitute teacher, please express your interest and email a resume to principal Dalton Gatlin at gatlind@nccswarriors.org.
Part-time Math Teacher: New Covenant Christian School is seeking a part-time secondary Math teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. This position can be flexible according to the candidate’s schedule and knowledge base. The preferred class amount would be two or three classes for four or five days a week. To inquire or apply, please email a resume to principal Dalton Gatlin at gatlind@nccswarriors.org.
Substitute Teachers: If you would like to apply to be a substitute teacher, please express your interest and email a resume to principal Dalton Gatlin at gatlind@nccswarriors.org.
We have no administrative openings at this time.
To assist Christian parents in training their children to KNOW God intimately, GROW as lifelong learners, and SOW God’s Kingdom presence wherever He plants them.
To launch generations of world-changers who actively set their hope in God, “understand the times,” and are prepared to do whatever God directs.
New Covenant Christian School does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
